The "sport pilot certificate" varies from existing private pilot certificates significantly including:

1. Requires only 20 hours of total flight time as compared to 40 hours for private pilot.
2. Limits sport pilots to flying low performance airplanes: maximum weight 1320 lbs, maximum stall speed 45 knots, maximum speed 120 knots, fixed landing gear, and a fixed pitch propeller.

The objective is to make the thrill, satisfaction, and excitement of aviation available to more people by reducing the complexity and cost.

Gleim specializes in pilot training text, Test Prep CD-Rom, online, audios, kits, and accessories for airplane pilot training. The Sport Pilot certificate covers gliders, gyrocopters, powered parachutes, and weight shift aircraft; however, Gleim's material is limited to airplanes.

Gleim will help you learn and understand aeronautical regulations, concepts, procedures, theories and other extensive aviation knowledge. Gleim will enable you to master the skills and abilities necessary to become a safe and competent pilot. Learn more about our Sport Pilot kit.

To receive a FAA sport pilot certificate, you need to be at least 17 years old, be fluent in English, and be of good health as evidenced by holding a US driver's license. Sport Pilot certificates NEVER expire - they are good for life!

You must also PASS 2 FAA tests:

1. FAA PILOT KNOWLEDGE TEST consisting of 40 multiple choice questions covering:
   1. Applicable regulations of this chapter that relate to sport pilot privileges, limits, and flight operations.
   2. Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board.
   3. Use of the applicable portions of the aeronautical information manual and FAA advisory circulars.
   4. Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems as appropriate.
   5. Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts.
   6. Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence.
   7. Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance.
   8. Weight and balance computations.
   9. Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems.
   10. Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques, as applicable.
   11. Aeronautical decision making and risk management.
   12. Preflight actions that include:
       1. How to get information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements.
       2. How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or if you encounter delays.
       
       

   NOTE: All of the above is completely covered in Gleim so you can pass your FAA test with confidence. PASS with Gleim's Sport Pilot Knowledge Test, Sport Pilot FAA Test Prep CD-Rom and Sport Pilot Online Ground School, which are components of Gleim's Sport Pilot Kit with Online Ground School.

2. FAA PRACTICAL TEST where you fly with a FAA designated pilot examiner (similar to a driving test) to demonstrate you are a safe and competent pilot by performing the following pilot maneuvers:
   
   1. Preflight preparation.
   2. Preflight procedures.
   3. Airport operations where applicable.
   4. Takeoffs , landings, and go-arounds.
   5. Performance maneuvers.
   6. Ground reference maneuvers.
   7. Navigation.
   8. Slow flight.
   9. Stalls.
   10. Emergency Operations.
   11. Post-flight procedures.

   NOTE: All of the above is completely covered so you can pass your FAA test with confidence. PASS with Gleim's Sport Pilot Flight Maneuvers, Sport Pilot Syllabus, FAR/AIM, and Pilot Handbook, which are components of Gleim's Sport Pilot Kit with Online Ground School.

Don't be overwhelmed! Gleim makes learning to fly easy!

Order our Sport Pilot kit today!